Aid for Illegal Immigrants

[Belle1962]

Not sure how I feel about this yet. But here's a link to the WP article.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/19/AR2005091901398.html



I have concerns about illegal immigrants (mainly from personal experiences I have had) and I TRY not to let those experiences color my perspective--but it's hard not to.

[questioner]

I understand that the Mexican Army was helping with Katrina relief. This is a perfect time for them to come in and bring the people back home.

Though I suspect we will need illegals to rebuild the damaged area. In my home town there is alot of construction work and without the illegals, nothing would get done. There is a shortage of legal construction workers in America.

[Nebsky]

My thoughts are...

They came here illegally. They made it through the system and were able to find jobs and raise a family. If they want to start over and try it again, try. If they want help from the government, I want them to say no and deport them. As harsh as it sounds, I would much prefer my tax dollars spent on the natural and legal citizens of this country than to someone who knowingly broke the law to come to this country. I dont care what color/nationality they are. If they are legal citizens they are entitled to the best possible care. The illegals, while I do understand they are in a rough time as well, should be next on the list. If they come forward, make sure to care for them while getting them on the plane/boat/bus back home. Also, give them directions on how to legally enter the country.

[Tigger_Magic]

My thoughts are...

They came here illegally. They made it through the system and were able to find jobs and raise a family. If they want to start over and try it again, try. If they want help from the government, I want them to say no and deport them. As harsh as it sounds, I would much prefer my tax dollars spent on the natural and legal citizens of this country than to someone who knowingly broke the law to come to this country. I dont care what color/nationality they are. If they are legal citizens they are entitled to the best possible care. The illegals, while I do understand they are in a rough time as well, should be next on the list. If they come forward, make sure to care for them while getting them on the plane/boat/bus back home. Also, give them directions on how to legally enter the country. ::yes:: While it does sound harsh, they made an informed decision to enter the country illegally and most, if not all, are fully aware of the consequences of these actions. While those that want to provide them assistance are full of good intentions, it would simply be an enabling act on our part, encouraging them and others to continue to enter the country illegally. It will be difficult enough to take care of our legal citizens.

[dcentity2000]

To each according to their needs without prejudice.



Rich::

[AllyandJack]

I agree....we need to take care of our own first for a change. We gave away so much for so long that it's going to be a chore to provide for our own citizens the way we should.

Instead of cutting the drug program for seniors, start tightening up the Medicaid and Welfare rolls and stop providing for people here illegally. That would save just as much as cutting the senior drug program and I'd rather our seniors get the drug coverage. Those are taxes I'd gladly pay.

[Crankyshank]

::yes:: While it does sound harsh, they made an informed decision to enter the country illegally and most, if not all, are fully aware of the consequences of these actions. While those that want to provide them assistance are full of good intentions, it would simply be an enabling act on our part, encouraging them and others to continue to enter the country illegally. It will be difficult enough to take care of our legal citizens.

::yes:: ::yes:: Quite honestly we have enough on our financial hands helping out the legal citizens and immigrants. Both victims of the hurricane and others not affected.
If I found out my donation money was going towards aiding and abetting illegal immigration, I would be furious and would never donate a cent towards that organization ever again.
and there's no shortage of construction workers in my area.

[DisneyMomOK]

1111111111

[Tigger_Magic]

Because some (but not all) want all the rights and privileges without the responsibilities.

[barbeml]

The key word is "illegal." I have only open arms for those who want to come here, work hard, pursue the American Dream, particpate, contribute and add to the "mix."

I do not welcome those who come here illegally, choose to live apart, refuse to learn the language and mix in, disrespect the status of women here, etc.

[Miss Jasmine]

Well I know some illegals who work harder than some "home-grown" people I know. I would rather my money go to them rather than the ones sucking off the system.

[Charade]

Well I know some illegals who work harder than some "home-grown" people I know. I would rather my money go to them rather than the ones sucking off the system.

If those harder working illegals are working under the table, they are "sucking off the system" as well.

[Tigger_Magic]

If those harder working illegals are working under the table, they are "sucking off the system" as well. ::yes:: While I don't appreciate anyone "sucking off the system", I'd rather they be people who are here legally.

[Miss Jasmine]

If those harder working illegals are working under the table, they are "sucking off the system" as well.
Yeah but at least they are contributing something.

[Tigger_Magic]

Yeah but at least they are contributing something. Actually, they don't. Since they are here illegally, they don't pay taxes, except possibly sales taxes. They certainly don't pay federal or state income taxes, property taxes, etc., yet they use many services that other Americans pay for (schools, hospitals, etc.). Their employment is undocumented, so they don't pay for Social Security or Medicare, yet much of their health care ends up being paid for by the state.

I suppose what they "contribute" is that they are often willing to do jobs that no American would consider doing, much less actually do. For that they are paid sub-standard wages with no benefits.

Some "contribution."

[Charade]

Yeah but at least they are contributing something.

They may be helping the local economy by being a consumer but they aren't contributing to the tax base which is what pays for most of the governmental services like schools and such.

Regardless, they need to go or attempt to get into the country by legal means and the born here freeloaders need to stop sucking off the system as well.

[Crankyshank]

They may be helping the local economy by being a consumer but they aren't contributing to the tax base which is what pays for most of the governmental services like schools and such.

Regardless, they need to go or attempt to get into the country by legal means and the born here freeloaders need to stop sucking off the system as well.

::yes::
I know there are many people who think those who oppose illegal immigration, and those who oppose aid to illegals, are heartless. I'm really not heartless, but I just really think there's so many other areas that we're failing our citizens and I'd rather see assistance for those who truly deserve it as opposed to those who are just taking advantage. (that goes for people using red cross money to buy beer and porn too)

For example: In my area heating your home is expected to rise either 26% or 30% depending on what kind of heat you use. There are many seniors that are now eating at soup kitchens because they can't afford to eat and heat their house. The aid package for low income heating assistance has not increased to meet the rise in rates because the money just isn't in the budget. This is reaching a crisis situation in this area since cost of living is all ready so high. Flame away but I don't see how people who came here illegally, are not contributing to the tax system, all ready are burdening tax payers, and in many cases are getting preferential treatment over citizens and legal immigrants should be given money for a brand new (possibly even better) start while there are thousands in the northeast facing a choice between freezing or starving.

[Tigger_Magic]

Jenn, you make some excellent points. Pushing for immigration reform and enforcement is not heartless at all. This is a HUGE failing of this administration and many past administrations -- most of which just gave lip-service to tightening and securing our borders. But especially after 9/11 one would hope that our borders would be less like a sieve, but sadly they are not.

This hurricane season is going to play havoc with the economy... first Katrina and now Rita. There is still clean-up to do from 2004 storms. Somewhere someone has to draw a line and say enough.

My heart breaks to hear of people living in fear, crammed into small sub-standard housing, doing back-breaking or sweatshop work for menial wages -- all for the opportunity to live in America. What they don't realize is they could be so much better off if they entered the country legally.

[PixieDust32]

:confused3